2011 YAMAHA VMAX spark plugs

TABLE OF CONTENTSSAFETY INFORMATION ..................1-1
DESCRIPTION ..................................2-1
Left view ..........................................2-1
Right view ........................................2-2
Controls and instruments.................2-3
INSTRUMENT AND CONTROL
FUNCTIONS.......................................3-1
Immobilizer system .........................3-1
Main switch/steering lock ................3-2
Indicator lights and warning
lights ............................................3-4
Speedometer unit ...........................3-7
Multi-function display ......................3-8
Anti-theft alarm (optional) .............3-17
Handlebar switches ......................3-17
Clutch lever ...................................3-18
Shift pedal .....................................3-19
Brake lever ...................................3-19
Brake pedal ..................................3-20
ABS ..............................................3-20
Fuel tank cap ................................3-21
Fuel ...............................................3-22
Fuel tank breather/overflow
hose ..........................................3-24
Catalytic converters ......................3-24
Seats ............................................3-25
Adjusting the front fork ..................3-26
Adjusting the shock absorber
assembly ...................................3-28Luggage strap holders ................. 3-30
EXUP system ............................... 3-30
Sidestand ..................................... 3-31
Ignition circuit cut-off system ........ 3-31
FOR YOUR SAFETY –
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS............. 4-1
OPERATION AND IMPORTANT
RIDING POINTS................................. 5-1
Starting the engine ......................... 5-1
Shifting ........................................... 5-2
Tips for reducing fuel
consumption ............................... 5-3
Engine break-in .............................. 5-3
Parking ........................................... 5-4
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT................................... 6-1
Owner’s tool kit ............................... 6-2
Periodic maintenance chart for
the emission control system ....... 6-3
General maintenance and
lubrication chart .......................... 6-4
Removing and installing
the cowling and panels ............... 6-8
Checking the spark plugs ............. 6-10
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ... 6-11
Final gear oil ................................. 6-14
Coolant ......................................... 6-16
Air filter element ........................... 6-19Checking the engine idling
speed ........................................ 6-19
Checking the throttle grip free
play ........................................... 6-19
Valve clearance ........................... 6-20
Tires ............................................. 6-20
Cast wheels ................................. 6-22
Clutch lever .................................. 6-23
Checking the brake lever free
play ........................................... 6-23
Brake light switches ..................... 6-24
Checking the front and
rear brake pads ........................ 6-24
Checking the brake fluid level ...... 6-25
Changing the brake and
clutch fluids ............................... 6-26
Checking and lubricating
the cables ................................. 6-26
Checking and lubricating
the throttle grip and cable ......... 6-26
Checking and lubricating
the brake and shift pedals ........ 6-27
Checking and lubricating
the brake and clutch levers ...... 6-27
Checking and lubricating
the sidestand ............................ 6-28
Lubricating the swingarm
pivots ........................................ 6-28
Checking the front fork ................. 6-29
Checking the steering .................. 6-29
Checking the wheel bearings ....... 6-30U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-3
6
EAU46861
TIP

The annual checks must be performed every year, except if a kilometer-based maintenance, or for the UK, a
mileage-based maintenance, is performed instead.


From 50000 km (30000 mi), repeat the maintenance intervals starting from 10000 km (6000 mi).


Items marked with an asterisk should be performed by a Yamaha dealer as they require special tools, data and technical
skills.
EAU46910
Periodic maintenance chart for the emission control system NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
(24000 mi)
1*Fuel lineCheck fuel hoses for cracks or
damage.√√√√√
2*Spark plugsCheck condition.
Clean.√√
Replace.√√
3*ValvesCheck valve clearance.
Adjust.Every 40000 km (24000 mi)
4*Fuel injection sys-
temAdjust synchronization.√√√√√
5*Mufflers and ex-
haust pipesCheck the screw clamps for
looseness.√√√√√
6*Air induction sys-
temCheck the air cut-off valve, reed
valve, and hose for damage.
Replace any damaged parts if
necessary.√√√√√
U2S3E2E0.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-10
6To install the panel
Place the panel in the original position,
and then install the bolt.
EAU46680
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and replaced if
out of specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
1. Panel C
2. Bolt
1 2
Specified spark plug:
NGK/CR9EIA
DENSO/IU27D1. Spark plug gapSpark plug gap:
0.8–0.9 mm (0.031–0.035 in)
1
U2S3E2E0.book Page 10 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-41
6
EAU46791
Troubleshooting charts Starting problems or poor engine performance
Check the fuel level in
the fuel tank.1. Fuel
There is enough fuel.
There is no fuel.
Check the compression.
Supply fuel.
The engine does not start.
Check the compression.
Operate the electric starter.2. Compression
There is compression.
There is no compression.
Check the ignition.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
Remove the spark plugs
and check the electrodes.3. Ignition
Wipe off with a dry cloth or replace the
spark plugs.
Have a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Have a Yamaha dealer
check the vehicle.
The engine does not start.
Check the battery.
Operate the electric starter.4. Battery
The engine turns over
quickly.
The engine turns over
slowly.
The battery is good.Check the battery lead connections,
and have a Yamaha dealer charge
the battery if necessary.
DryWet
Operate the electric starter.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 41 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-4
7
EAU26243
Storage Short-term
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover. Be
sure the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem are cool before covering the motor-
cycle.NOTICE
ECA10810


Storing the motorcycle in a
poorly ventilated room or cover-
ing it with a tarp, while it is still
wet, will allow water and humid-
ity to seep in and cause rust.


To prevent corrosion, avoid
damp cellars, stables (because
of the presence of ammonia)
and areas where strong chemi-
cals are stored.
Long-term
Before storing your motorcycle for sev-
eral months:
1. Follow all the instructions in the
“Care” section of this chapter.2. Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel
stabilizer (if available) to prevent
the fuel tank from rusting and the
fuel from deteriorating.
3. Perform the following steps to pro-
tect the cylinders, piston rings, etc.
from corrosion.
a. Remove the spark plug caps
and spark plugs.
b. Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil
into each spark plug bore.
c. Install the spark plug caps onto
the spark plugs, and then place
the spark plugs on the cylinder
head so that the electrodes are
grounded. (This will limit spark-
ing during the next step.)
d. Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder walls with oil.)
WARNING! To prevent dam-
age or injury from sparking,
make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while
turning the engine over.
[EWA10951]
e. Remove the spark plug caps
from the spark plugs, and then
install the spark plugs and the
spark plug caps.
4. Lubricate all control cables and the
pivoting points of all levers and
pedals as well as of the side-
stand/centerstand.
5. Check and, if necessary, correct
the tire air pressure, and then lift
the motorcycle so that both of its
wheels are off the ground. Alterna-
tively, turn the wheels a little every
month in order to prevent the tires
from becoming degraded in one
spot.
6. Cover the muffler outlets with plas-
tic bags to prevent moisture from
entering them.
7. Remove the battery and fully
charge it. Store it in a cool, dry
place and charge it once a month.
Do not store the battery in an ex-
cessively cold or warm place [less
than 0 °C (30 °F) or more than 30
°C (90 °F)]. For more information
on storing the battery, see page
6-30.
U2S3E2E0.book Page 4 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM

INDEXAABS ....................................................... 3-20
ABS warning light.................................... 3-6
Air filter element .................................... 6-19
Anti-theft alarm (optional)...................... 3-17
Auxiliary light bulb, replacing ................ 6-38BBattery................................................... 6-30
Brake and clutch fluids, changing ......... 6-26
Brake and clutch levers,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-27
Brake and shift pedals,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-27
Brake fluid level, checking .................... 6-25
Brake lever ............................................ 3-19
Brake lever free play, checking ............. 6-23
Brake light switches .............................. 6-24
Brake pedal ........................................... 3-20CCables, checking and lubricating .......... 6-26
Care ........................................................ 7-1
Catalytic converters .............................. 3-24
Clutch lever .................................. 3-18, 6-23
Coolant.................................................. 6-16
Coolant temperature warning light .......... 3-5
Cowling and panels,
removing and installing ......................... 6-8DDimmer switch ...................................... 3-17EEngine break-in ....................................... 5-3
Engine idling speed, checking .............. 6-19
Engine oil and oil filter cartridge ............ 6-11
Engine stop switch ................................ 3-18Engine trouble warning light ................... 3-5
EXUP system ....................................... 3-30
FFinal gear oil ......................................... 6-14
Front and rear brake pads, checking .... 6-24
Front fork, adjusting .............................. 3-26
Front fork, checking .............................. 6-29
Fuel....................................................... 3-22
Fuel consumption, tips for reducing........ 5-3
Fuel level warning light ........................... 3-5
Fuel tank breather/overflow hose ......... 3-24
Fuel tank cap ........................................ 3-21
Fuses, replacing ................................... 6-33HHandlebar switches .............................. 3-17
Hazard switch ....................................... 3-18
Headlight bulb, replacing ...................... 6-34
High beam indicator light ........................ 3-4
Horn switch ........................................... 3-18IIdentification numbers ............................ 9-1
Ignition circuit cut-off system ................ 3-31
Immobilizer system ................................. 3-1
Immobilizer system indicator light........... 3-6
Indicator lights and warning lights .......... 3-4LLicense plate light bulb, replacing ........ 6-37
Luggage strap holders .......................... 3-30MMain switch/steering lock........................ 3-2
Maintenance and lubrication, periodic .... 6-4
Maintenance, emission control
system .................................................. 6-3
Matte color, caution ................................ 7-1Model label .............................................. 9-1
Multi-function display............................... 3-8
NNeutral indicator light .............................. 3-4OOil level warning light .............................. 3-4PParking .................................................... 5-4
Part locations .......................................... 2-1
Pass switch ........................................... 3-17SSafety information ................................... 1-1
Seats ..................................................... 3-25
Shifting .................................................... 5-2
Shift pedal ............................................. 3-19
Shift timing indicator light ........................ 3-6
Shock absorber assembly, adjusting .... 3-28
Sidestand .............................................. 3-31
Sidestand, checking and lubricating...... 6-28
Spark plugs, checking ........................... 6-10
Specifications .......................................... 8-1
Speedometer unit .................................... 3-7
Starting the engine .................................. 5-1
Start switch............................................ 3-18
Steering, checking................................. 6-29
Storage.................................................... 7-4
Supporting the motorcycle .................... 6-39
Swingarm pivots, lubricating ................. 6-28TTail/brake light ....................................... 6-36
Throttle grip and cable,
checking and lubricating ..................... 6-26
Throttle grip free play, checking ............ 6-19
Tires ...................................................... 6-20
U2S3E2E0.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:43 AM